HB 2253 requires Pennsylvania public high schools to hire school life support coaches to provide daily nonclinical emotional support to students. High-need schools (defined by factors like poverty rates, attendance issues, or dropout risk) must employ one coach for every 300 students, while other schools must have one for every 500 students. Coaches must hold specific educational qualifications (e.g., bachelor's degree with two years of experience), complete training in trauma-informed care and crisis response, and focus on mentorship and resource connection without providing therapy or diagnosis. The Department of Education will guide districts on equitable compensation, and coaches must refer students needing clinical services to licensed staff.
HB 2250 requires Pennsylvania school districts (second, third, and fourth class) to obtain voter approval via referendum or hold a public hearing before constructing new schools or making substantial additions to existing buildings. It sets specific cost thresholds based on student capacity: $2,800 per elementary student, $4,200 for middle school students, and $5,200 for high school students. If a project exceeds initial cost estimates by 8% or surpasses these per-pupil limits, a second public hearing is mandated before final state approval. This bill directly affects school districts by adding procedural steps for major construction decisions, ensuring community input before significant spending.
HB 2251 amends Pennsylvania law to update reimbursement rules for municipal police training costs. It requires the state commission to reimburse municipalities for 60% of police officers' regular salaries during approved training and for the full cost of tuition, living, and travel expenses. Municipalities must provide documentation and undergo annual audits to qualify for reimbursement. Additionally, the law mandates that at least 25% of state funds for this purpose be allocated to townships and boroughs with populations under 20,000 residents.
HB 2247 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to require school districts spanning multiple counties or municipalities to set uniform tax rates across their entire district. The bill provides four methods for achieving this, including calculating rates based on market values (not exceeding 75% of property value) or using a single tax rate if jurisdictions share consistent assessment standards. This change directly affects multi-jurisdictional school districts, reducing disparities in how property taxes are applied across county or municipal lines. The bill standardizes tax collection without altering overall tax burdens on property owners.
HB 2249 amends Pennsylvania's Solid Waste Management Act to clarify the definition of "biosolid" and establish new requirements for its management. The bill prohibits land application of biosolids if levels of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) or perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) exceed state limits, and mandates resampling and treatment before land application if those limits are exceeded. It also creates regulations for the beneficial use of municipal waste, requiring monitoring for up to one year, notification of property changes, and departmental oversight for waste stored beyond that period. Additionally, the bill directs the Department of Environmental Protection to propose a state fund for hazardous waste site cleanup if federal funding proves inadequate.
HB 2240 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to require charter school applications to include detailed information about each physical facility, such as its address, ownership, and lease arrangements. The bill specifies that every facility must be located entirely within a single school district's boundaries. Charter schools must also provide this facility information to the relevant school district and notify them of any changes within 10 days. This applies to all new charter school applications and updates to existing school locations.
HB 2239 prohibits operating drones without written permission on school property, including grounds and aerial space of all school types (public, charter, private, etc.). It creates a new misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine up to $300 for unauthorized drone use near schools, while exempting school security personnel acting in their official duties. The bill specifically targets drone activity that could disrupt school safety or operations, defining "school entity" broadly to cover all educational institutions. This amendment to Pennsylvania's criminal code directly affects drone operators near schools and aims to prevent unauthorized aerial surveillance or intrusion.
HB 2248 designates May 20 as "Jimmy Stewart Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the late actor, who was born in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and starred in iconic films like *It's a Wonderful Life* and *Mr. Smith Goes to Washington*. The bill is purely commemorative, with no requirement for employers to grant paid leave or treat the day as a legal holiday. It includes legislative findings about Stewart's life, career, military service, and legacy, including his 1985 Presidential Medal of Freedom. The designation applies annually without imposing new obligations on individuals or organizations.
HB 2241 requires Pennsylvania hospitals and medical offices to publish standard charges for services online in a readable digital format and provide printed copies upon request. It mandates that hospitals list all standard charges - including gross charges, negotiated rates with insurers, and discounted cash prices - for every item or service, including both inpatient and outpatient care. The bill specifically requires a simplified, consumer-friendly list of "shoppable services" (like elective procedures patients can schedule in advance) alongside the full charge list. This applies directly to all hospitals operating under Pennsylvania's Health Care Facilities Act, aiming to help patients compare costs before receiving care.
HB 2242 amends Pennsylvania law to clarify the Governor's authority as Commander-in-Chief over state military forces. It specifically prohibits armed military forces from other states or territories from entering Pennsylvania for military duty without the Governor's express permission, except when federal service under the President's authority is involved. The Governor may grant permission for up to 30 days per calendar year, or longer if approved by a concurrent resolution of the General Assembly. This directly affects Pennsylvania's military operations and limits how neighboring states' forces can operate within Pennsylvania. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.
SB 1173 establishes Pennsylvania's capital budget for fiscal year 2026-2027, setting specific spending limits for state capital projects. It allocates $1.2 billion for buildings/structures, $20 million for furniture/equipment, $100 million for transportation, $325 million for redevelopment, and $0 for flood control, totaling $1.645 billion. These funds will be drawn from the General Fund or designated Special Funds to finance state-owned infrastructure projects. The bill directly affects state agencies managing capital projects, such as public buildings, transportation systems, and redevelopment initiatives. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.
This bill (SB 1165) provides funding for Pennsylvania's Public School Employees' Retirement Board (PSERS) for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. It appropriates $65.5 million from the main Public School Employees' Retirement Fund to cover the board's general operating expenses, including salaries, travel, and contractual services. Additionally, it allocates $1.5 million from the PSERS Defined Contribution Fund specifically for administering the School Employees' Defined Contribution Plan. The funds will also pay any unpaid bills from the prior fiscal year ending June 2026. This is a procedural funding bill affecting only the PSERS Board's budget operations.
